It's mixed martial arts (MMA) anarchy in BRA this weekend (Sat., Jan. 19, 2013).
Eager to finally get a crack at the 185-pound title after more than six years in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), England's Michael Bisping will head into hostile territory this Saturday night at the Ibirapuera Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to punch Vitor Belfort in the face repeatedly in the UFC on FX 7 main event.
In addition, the uncrowned champion of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF): "Brazil," Daniel Sarafian, makes his long-awaited Octagon debut opposite C.B. Dollaway in the co-featured fight of the night.
That's not all.
Indeed, there is a ton of Brazilian talent on display and -- if you know where to look -- the chance to fatten your wallet a bit betting on MMA bouts.
Follow me below for a closer look at the latest odds behind, and best bets for, UFC on FX 7: "Bisping vs. Belfort:"
UFC ON FX 7 ODDS FOR THE UNDER CARD:
Diego Nunes (-160) vs. Nik Lentz (+130)
Ronny Markes (-250) vs. Andrew Craig (+190)
Milton Vieira (-215) vs. Godofredo Casto (+165)
Francisco Trinaldo (-345) vs. C.J. Keith (+265)
Edson Barboza (-305) vs. Lucas Martins (+235)
Yuri Alcantara (-450) vs. Pedro Nobre (+300)
Wagner Prado (-260) vs. Ildemar Alcantara (+200)
Thoughts: The best course of action on this under card is playing favorites. And the two who strike me as the most profitable are Nunes and Markes.
I’m always concerned when betting against stifling wrestlers, but the only time Lentz has been able to impose his will on anyone since 2010 was against Eiji Mitsuoka and he’s sorely outgunned standing. Yes, Nunes lost the Kenny Florian fight by getting planted on his back, but neither Mike Brown nor Manny Gamburyan was able to get their grappling games going against him.
Nunes at better than -200 is an excellent bargain.
I know, -250 may look steep, but I really don’t see any way Craig wins this fight. He’s an extremely sloppy striker whose grit and wrestling have carried him to victory so far. The latter is useless against Markes and the former can’t overcome the Brazilian’s size and power. Markes may have been out for almost a year, but he’s bigger, stronger, and far more technical than Craig.
Therefore, make him the backbone of your parlays.
UFC ON FX ODDS FOR THE MAIN CARD:
Michael Bisping (-115) vs. Vitor Belfort (-115)
Daniel Sarafian (-170) vs. C.B. Dollaway (+140)
Gabriel Gonzaga (-120) vs. Ben Rothwell (-110)
Khabib Nurmagomedov (-200) vs. Thiago Tavares (+160)
Thoughts: Three of these four fights are pick 'ems and should be avoided at all costs. Instead, put a small amount on Tavares.
I will always support Russian MMA fighters, but Nurmagomedov seems kind of overvalued here. He’s got power and solid wrestling, but his punching technique is abysmal. Tavares, meanwhile, may not have the best chin, but he’s tightened up his striking and wrestling to the point where I firmly believe he can keep it on the feet and pick apart Nurmagomedov from there.
Again, Tavares is not the most durable sort, so make a relatively small investment in him.
UFC ON FX 7 BEST BETS:
- Parlay: Diego Nunes and Ronny Markes -- Bet $50 to make $64
- Parlay: Ronny Markes and Thiago Tavares -- Bet $30 to make $79.20
- Single bet: Diego Nunes -- Bet $60 to make $37.50
A No. 1 contender bout and the potential for some serious fireworks ... not bad for free television in the United States.
See you Saturday, Maniacs.